A Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt has prohibited Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ibas (rtd), the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, from inaugurating the newly appointed members of the Rivers State Services Commission. This decision follows a legal challenge regarding their appointments, initiated by the commission’s previously appointed members.

Justice Frank Onyiri issued the order after hearing final addresses from both parties involved. The court has directed that the status quo be maintained until a judgment is delivered on September 29.

The plaintiffs, including Reverend Goodlife Iduoku Ben and others, argue that their removal by Ibas was unlawful, claiming that they were appointed by the Rivers State House of Assembly and that the Sole Administrator lacks the authority to dismiss them.

The defendants in the case include Ibas and several financial institutions, reflecting the broader implications of this legal dispute concerning governance and administrative authority in Rivers State.